This story is from March 18, 2019

DKS’ Shivamogga, Mandya assignments irk partymen

DKS’ Shivamogga, Mandya assignments irk partymen
BENGALURU: The discontentment brewing within the Congress is not only limited to the party ceding Tumakuru, a seat it holds, but also because it has “gifted” the services of its prime strategist, water resources minister DK Shivakumar, to the JD(S).
Shivakumar has been officially appointed Shivamogga in-charge where Madhu Bangarappa of the JD(S) will take on state BJP president BS Yeddyurappa’s son, BY Raghavendra.
Also, chief minister HD Kumaraswamy’s apparent dependence on Shivakumar to ensure victory for his son Nikhil in Mandya amidst ground-level opposition — several local leaders are backing Sumalatha, wife of late politician MH Ambareesh — has also annoyed Congressmen.
In fact, Shivakumar spent Friday and Saturday with Kumaraswamy, hammering out a poll strategy for Mandya, where he had earlier tried brokering peace with Sumalatha in favour of the JD(S). At that time, Shivakumar drew the wrath of Congress leaders, including Siddaramaiah. Now, several others are miffed that he’s serving JD(S) more than Congress.
“The generosity of the Congress is almost coming at the cost of our own party,” said a senior Congress leader. “Not only did we give up seats where we were strong, but we have also dedicated our resources to the JD(S).”
That Shivakumar is unavailable for them has caused more dismay, given that the Congress suffers from leaders low on confidence and who are reluctant to take the lead role in segments like Bengaluru South and Central and Ballari. Shivakumar was supposed to be completely in-charge of the poll campaign in Ballari since he is the minister in charge of the district.
Shivakumar, who has a proven track record in Ballari where he wrested an assembly seat in the 2014 bypolls and the recently held Ballari Lok Sabha bypolls, reportedly said: “Now that the seat is already with Congress, it should be the Jarkiholi brothers’ turn to shoulder the responsibility.”

VS Ugrappa, who won as MP from Ballari under Shivakumar’s stewardship, said: “It is surprising that Shivakumar is being given to the JD(S), but the high command believes the priority is to keep the BJP out. That said, I expect Shivakumar to work in Ballari too even as we are confident of winning.”
Shivakumar, who was earlier chairman of the party’s campaign committee, has made way for HK Patil. While he would have drawn up plans for their entire state in his previous position, the troubleshooter is now focused on two major segments — Mandya and Shivamogga where JD(S) is fielding candidates, besides Bengaluru Rural where his own brother, DK Suresh, will file his nomination.
Justifying his brother’s role, Suresh, said: “We are all working in the spirit of a coalition and following the path that the leadership has chosen. My brother’s services will be available to all Congress candidates.”
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About the Author
B V Shiva Shankar

BV Shiva Shankar is a special correspondent with The Times of India Hyderabad covering political issues as well as issues like metro rail, urban infrastructure, liquor and irrigation.

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